RYLA is coordinated by Rotary Clubs around the globe. Each year, thousands of young people participate in this programme. Young people aged 14–30 are sponsored by Rotary Clubs to attend the event run by the club’s district committee. Participants are chosen for their leadership potential.

Rotary Clubs and the Rotary District cover all expenses for the participants.

Rotary clubs and districts select participants and facilitate the event’s curriculum. The Rotary Club of Ayr sponsor a young person each year to attend Auchengillan, Blanefield, Glasgow, a 120 acre site, outdoor centre, owned by Clyde Regional Scout Council, a non profit organisation which has 80 years of providing a wide range of activities for Scouts and other voluntary groups.

Sarah came to the club last Tuesday evening to present on her week long experiences.

Leadership skills, a sense of pride in achievement and being a useful member of society, were all areas of personal development which Sarah embraced with enthusiasm. In addition, she continued, all 20 students lived by the six Cs principals of Commitment, Communication, Character, Competition, Confidence and Courage.

Sarah said that through many fun and challenging outdoor activities, she and her fellow participants, boys and girls, helped each other achieve successes while building strong friendship bonds.

Bubble water walking, abseiling, canoeing, tower climbing and raft building and testing were all included in the tasks to be performed both as individuals and teams.

Sarah concluded by confirming she had an initial fear in attending Auchengillan, but was genuinely grateful and pleased to have been nominated to experience a wonderfully enriching event.